UK retailer WHSmith partners with Tappoo Group in Fiji

WHSmith, a UK-based books and stationary retailer, has entered into a new franchise agreement in Fiji with travel retailer The Tappoo Group.

The British brand will be introduced by the group into resort corners and some of its destination stores, with first outlet opening in 2012 at its TappooCity Suva City department store.

WHSmith Travel chief operating officer Simon Smith said the company is bringing its dedicated news, magazine, books and convenience offer to shoppers and tourists in key travel locations across the Fiji.

The Tappoo Group CEO and executive director Madhu Tappoo said, "WHSmith is a popular and well-known brand in the UK and in locations like Australia and India and we believe it is a perfect fit with The Tappoo Group. A WHSmith concept store will ideally suit the proposed specialty store environment at the redeveloped Nadi Airport."

The Sigatoka-based travel retail group runs duty-free departures and arrivals stores at Nadi and Nausori international airports and a variety of specialist shops at Nadi airport.

WHSmith operates over 1,100 stores in the UK and several other international locations, including Copenhagen, Stockholm, Melbourne and Delhi airports.

In the 15 weeks to 9 June 2012, total sales of WHSmith were down 1% with like-for-like sales down 3% compared to the same period last year.